Cajun & Zydeco Bands

by Dean Gardner

Band Websites

Atlanta Swamp Opera

This band split up but maybe they'll continue the tradition of playing each year at the Mardi Gras dance (hint, hint). They are one of my favorites and I'm sorry to see them go. They play a fun mix of cajun and zydeco, and have put out 2 CDs - "Et Toi" (good name) and "Pour Toi." In 1997 the Cajun French Music Association voted their album "Et Toi" the second best recording by a Cajun band from outside of Louisiana. Members include Larry Enlow- accordion & vocals; Lisa Backalenick and Ann Snyder- fiddles, vocals, triangle & rubboard; Maureen Kilroy- guitar & vocals; Larry English- bass; and Doug Landesberg- drums. Here's their website.

Hair of the Dog

Atlanta's Hair of the Dog plays a unique combination of traditional and modern Cajun, zydeco, blues, and rockabilly. The traditional Cajun style is heard in Barbara's fiddling which was heavily influenced by Dewey Balfa; and Whit's harmonica solos contribute towards a more driving electric sound. They're a great band to dance to! Members include: Whit Connah- accordion, harmonica & vocals; Barbara Panter Connah- fiddle, vocals, & guitar; John Ferguson- guitar; Audrey Ferguson- triangle & rubboard; Bob Vicentin- bass; Doug Landsberg- drums; and sometimes Bill Fleming- steel & vocals. They've released two great CDs: "Mongrel" and "Bon à Rien". Here's their website.

Zydeco T

This is Atlanta's very own soon-to-be-famous Zydeco band. They are a band BY and FOR dancers. "With two Zydeco dance instructors in the band we are able to pick songs that reflect all the variety of the music and dance. We work hard on every song getting just the right tempo and groove." Get set for some real danceable high-energy Zydeco from the best of Boozoo, Keith Frank, John & Geno Delafose, Beau Jocque, Chris Ardoin and others. Members include: Larry English- accordion & vocals; Bill Burbank- guitar, fiddle, & vocals; Joe Fleming- bass; Doug Landsberg- drums; and Anthony Lewis- rubboard & vocals. Here's their website.

Filé

This Louisiana band is very, very good. They have a traditional Cajun sound with a modern flavor. They play lots of fast 2-steps (frequently interpreted as zydeco by the zydeholics) interspersed with mamous for a chance to rest--along with a few waltzes, slow dances, and even a baisse-bas if you're lucky. Come with lots of energy because you won't want to sit down. Members include: Ward Lormand- accordion & vocals; Kevin Shearin- bass & vocals; D'Jalma Garnier- fiddle & vocals; David Eagan- piano and vocals; and Pete Stevens- drums, tit-fer, spoons, bones, etc. Here's their website.

Pictures and

more bands coming soon

Band Websites